How IL‑10 and TGF‑beta help HIV hide in lymph node helper T cells
Defining molecular pathways triggered by IL-10 and TGFb that drive HIV integration and persistence in Tfh cells in lymph nodes
This research looks at whether two immune signals, IL‑10 and TGF‑beta, help HIV hide and persist in specific lymph node helper T cells (Tfh) in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125949 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies lymph node tissue from people living with HIV to see how the cytokines IL‑10 and TGF‑beta change helper T cells in ways that let HIV integrate and keep replicating. Researchers will compare samples from different stages of infection, including recent infection, untreated chronic infection, and people on antiretroviral therapy. They will examine antiviral defenses inside Tfh cells, how chromatin opens at genes downstream of IL‑10/TGF‑beta signaling, and where intact HIV integrates in the genome. The work uses human lymph node samples and molecular lab methods to map integration sites and signaling pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are willing to provide lymph node tissue samples or participate in related sample collections, including those recently infected, untreated, or on suppressive ART, would be appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those unwilling or medically unable to provide lymph node tissue are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new targets in lymph nodes to reduce or eliminate the hidden HIV reservoir and improve cure strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show IL‑10 and TGF‑beta influence immune cells and reservoirs, but focusing on chromatin‑driven HIV integration in Tfh cells is a relatively new and specialized approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pereira Ribeiro, Susan — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Pereira Ribeiro, Susan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.